Buy.com launches shopping app for iPhone

Online retailer Buy.com launched an app for Apple's iPhone and iPod devices on December 20. The app uses barcode and voice-recognition technology to help shoppers compare bricks-and-mortar store pricing.

The app allows consumers to compare the prices of 9 million products from third-party retailers on the Aliso Viejo, CA-based company's online marketplace. The application uses RedLaser barcoding technology and MeMeMe voice-recognition software to enable consumers to scan a product bar code or speak a product's name to compare prices or make purchases.

Customers can also view product reviews and videos and access the website's top sellers, deal-of-the-day promotions, weekly specials and “What's Shakin” lists by voice or scanning technology.

Jeff Wisot, VP of marketing at Buy.com, said the app's launch is “perfect timing for bricks-and-mortar retailers” because consumers can buy items this week and “still have it delivered in time for Christmas.”

Wisot said that consumers downloaded the app nearly 20,000 times during beta testing. He declined to specify the beta test launch date or the project's cost.

“The launch allows consumers to use our site on their own terms. It used to be that people would shop from home and at work,” he said. “Now, with the growth of mobile shoppers exploding, we created the app to make it easier for customers to shop wherever they are.”